Akito sat up on her futon, emerging from the sleep that had enveloped her like a winter coat. She had felt safe… in Shigure's arms. The memory of the previous night slowly returned, and she turned suddenly, realizing that the man who had held her was no longer there.

She sighed, her heart heavy, and looked down at her arms. Blue marks covered her skin—the imprint of Shigure's fingers. She got up and headed to the bathroom. She felt weak and abandoned—nothing unusual.

However, she wished Shigure had stayed with her that night. But perhaps it was futile to expect such a gesture of affection from someone so selfish. She suddenly froze, recalling the look in Shigure's eyes when he had made love to her.

Shivering, she stopped in front of the large bathroom mirror. She opened her kimono and began to observe the marks of desire Shigure had left on her skin, mostly on her neck, shoulders, and chest. Some marks lingered on her thighs. Akito traced them with her finger, thoughtful.

Shigure loved her feminine body, she was sure of it. Would he leave so many traces of his passion on a body he despised? In his arms, she felt so much like a woman—complete and at peace. But he had hurt her. She closed her kimono, hiding this shameful body, and wrapped her arms around her waist, recalling the harsh words he had spoken, the cruel accusations he had hurled at her.

She struck the mirror hard, pulling herself together. Shigure's reproaches didn't matter. He was the one in the wrong! Wasn't he? She let the water run into the bath and sat on the cold tile, letting her hand drift through the water.

She wished last night had never ended.

Shigure's House

He poured himself a glass of water and swallowed his hangover pills, washing them down with long gulps.

He had come home at dawn, slipping into his room, not wanting the teenagers staying in his house to catch him before they left for school. He had no desire to justify his nighttime outings, nor did he want to lie.

He was tired of pretending or acting happy around them. He had nothing left to hide anyway, now that all twelve knew that Akito was a woman. Except, of course, for the fact that he loved her…

This situation troubled him. He hadn't expected the cursed members to flock back to Akito as they once had. But their sympathy for the young goddess might keep her clinging to the illusion of control over the Juunishii members.

And that was out of the question.

He had no intention of sharing the woman he loved with twelve others. He was already on the edge, his actions the night before were proof of that.

With both hands on the edge of the sink, he recalled last night. He had gone too far; he had hurt Akito, physically. And that wasn't what he wanted. He had never been violent with her, even if sometimes he hated her as much as he loved her. He couldn't have looked her in the face this morning.

He poured himself more water, pressing the cold glass to his burning forehead, trying to ease the pain numbing his head until the medication took effect. The alcohol had dried out his throat, and his head was spinning. He needed to pull himself together before tonight.

Unlike Kureno, he didn't think tonight's gathering would be beneficial for Akito. She would feel betrayed, she would feel weak…

A smile appeared on Shigure's was simply perfect.

In trying to help her, they would hurt her more than they could imagine. And he would be there to pick up his young goddess when she fell. He poured the glass of water over his face, not caring that his kimono got wet, and decided to write a few lines in his office. Mit-chan would be pleased.

Sohma Manor, 8:00 PM

After school, the Twelve had gathered at the manor without Akito's knowledge.

They had slipped in through the crack in the wall near the main door and taken refuge in Hatori's house to discuss the evening's plans.

Yuki had been surprised by Kureno's idea. A surprise banquet? He had thought they would simply have a heartfelt talk with Akito, but Kureno had decided to prepare a banquet during the day to surround Akito with a familiar atmosphere, making her feel supported.

Everything was already prepared. Kureno had arranged it all: the table, the feast, costumes for each member of the Twelve…

But now, as they all stood around the grand table, waiting for Akito to arrive, Yuki felt afraid; afraid that Akito would see this banquet as a mockery of her beliefs, just as they would reveal that they knew the truth.

Kureno had gone to fetch her. Yuki fidgeted nervously with his napkin, lost in thought.

"We're making a mistake,"he thought, but it was too late. He looked up and caught Kyo's gaze, which seemed to have been on him for a while. Since they had learned the truth, it seemed the cat had changed his attitude towards him, as if he trusted Yuki to make the right choices.

Did he see him as an ally now? But as he looked at him, his eyes filled with indecision and doubt, Kyo sighed and shook his head before turning away.

"You think this evening will end badly too…"

No one spoke, and the silence was heavy. Hatori, seated to the left of the head of the main table, kept his eyes fixed on the door. His posture, always upright and dignified, seemed rigid. He was on edge, no doubt ready to respond to any issue.

Hatsuharu and Rin were seated at the opposite end of the table, as far from the head seat that Akito would occupy as possible. But Yuki was surprised to see that Shigure had seated himself at the end of the table, opposite Akito. Did he think himself her equal? Or did he want to be far from her?

At last, the door opened, and Yuki stopped breathing. Akito entered the room, followed by Kureno.

When she saw the group waiting for her at the table, she froze.

Her eyes wide, her breathing ragged, she looked from one familiar face to the next, lingering a bit longer on Shigure, who was the only one not looking at her. He was the sole exception. Noticing he was ignoring her, Akito looked to Yuki, her gaze questioning. But the young boy quickly looked away, uncomfortable. Getting no reaction, she finally turned to the one who had brought her.

"Kureno, what is going on? What are they doing here?" she demanded. Her voice, though authoritative, betrayed the unease and confusion overwhelming her.

Kureno didn't respond; he moved beside her, taking her hand, and led her to her seat.

"It's a banquet in your honor," he said, helping her to sit. "A banquet unrelated to the curse. We want to talk to you."

Akito's breathing grew faster, and her heart began to pound harder, causing a painful sensation in her chest and a loud drumming in her temples.

Something was wrong. Why were they here? And those looks they were giving her… what were they? Condescension? Indifference? Pity?

Hatori cleared his throat, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Akito," Hatori spoke softly. "We've come to talk to you about the curse and the bond between the Juunishii… and you. You've noticed, things are changing. Maybe it's because of Tohru's arrival, or perhaps it's just the natural progression of life… but, whatever the reason… the bond between us is weakening."

Akito took a deep breath, unconsciously shaking her head, then suddenly pulled back, but Hatori took her hand, preventing her from leaving. His words hurt. She didn't want to hear them. She wanted them to stay together forever.

"You're lying," she said, though gently. "You're lying, and you're a fool who doesn't understand. The curse that binds us cannot weaken. Our bond of blood is eternal."

But already, her heart was constricting, and the lie she spoke with such fervor felt hollow as the words left her lips.

"Is that really what you want, Akito?" Ayame asked, a hint of sadness in his beautiful gray eyes. "You want us to stay with you forever, as prisoners?"

"Fool. Don't you understand? The bond is happiness," Akito said, trembling. "God and the animals are always happy together, celebrating their joy through their banquet. That's what I want. I want to be happy."

"We are all here today, Akito. Are you happy?" Yuki asked, raising his voice, though his body was shaking. "Do you think the people at this table know happiness? We're prisoners, and so are you!"

"It's your attitude that's tainted our dream! We were happy before shecame!" Akito shouted, pointing at Tohru, who lowered her head, ashamed and saddened to be the cause of Akito's sorrow.

"This has nothing to do with Tohru," Yuki exclaimed. "Don't try to convince yourself it's all her fault. I lived with you; I saw you cry! Don't try to lie."

"A lie? You're the one lying to yourself, poor Yuki. How do you think you'll find happiness in the outside world? What girl could bear to live without feeling the warmth of your body, without you holding her in your arms? This curse, this tale, makes you desired and divine within this family, but outside, you're a monster—a rat!"

"Tohru accepts Kyo," Haru interjected, his anger evident in each word, "and Kana loved Hatori before you hurt them."

"That wasn't my fault!" She trembled before Hatsuharu. Since he had once tried to strike her, he frightened her. But he belonged to her too. She had to show strength. "It could never have worked between them; it was an illusion."

"The illusion is yours!" he shouted. "You say their love couldn't exist, but what about Rin and me? Or Hiro and Kisa? Do you reject that too, out of selfishness?"

Akito didn't know how to respond, but she shook her head. It was impossible; their love couldn't exist—Rin and Haru, Hiro and Kisa… she and Shigure… everything was doomed to fail.

She looked up at Shigure. He still wasn't looking at her, his arms crossed over his chest, eyes distant, as if this discussion didn't concern him.

She could expect nothing from him. From anyone, for that matter.

"Akito," Kureno said gently, "you're trying to stop something irreversible." He looked at her intently, trying to convey what he wanted to say. "When I was freed, there was nothing you could do. It pains you, but there's nothing you can change," his gaze seemed to say.

"And you're hurting yourself by doing this," Hatori added. "Accept the change, accept your own freedom and that of the Twelve. Otherwise, you'll only be unhappy."

"Freedom… that's what you've come to find."

Akito suddenly stood from the table and stepped back, facing the assembly. She looked around, like a trapped animal. Then, to everyone's surprise, she began to laugh—a joyless, almost mad laugh. She shook her head, her eyes filling with tears.
She stretched her arms out gracefully, gesturing to the grand table and the feast.

"What is this?" she asked, in a princely tone, though her shaky breathing broke her voice. "A farewell banquet? Is this the end?"

"No," Kureno whispered. "No, that's not it."

But she was no longer listening. She slowly knelt on the floor, her hands pressed to her temples, murmuring, "All against me, all betraying me. No one to share my dream."

Yuki stood up and approached Akito, gently lifting her to bring her back to the table.

"We don't want to abandon you, Akito. Try to understand, we're here to find a solution for all of our futures."

"A future away from me, that's it!" Akito shouted, pushing him away. "I'd rather die than let you go! Ask me to kill you; that would be easier. How can you ask me to set you free? You belong to me!"

She grabbed the jug of wine and threw it at the guests, who quickly moved away from the table. Only Shigure remained in his seat, a faintly amused smile on his lips.

Akito threw everything within her reach: plates, cutlery, saucers, and cups—hurling them at Hatori and Kureno, who were trying to approach and calm her.

Kisa was crying, huddled in Hiro's arms. Hatsuharu then took the little girl and motioned for Hiro and Rin to follow him, and they left the room.

Dodging a fork that Akito flung at him, Kureno seized her arm and pulled her toward him, trapping her in his arms.

As she struggled in his grip, Akito didn't realize that her kimono, too loose to reveal her form, had slipped down her shoulders, exposing the bindings that wrapped around her chest. When she became aware, her anger dissipated, replaced by a sense of shame as she noticed Kyo and Yuki's eyes on her exposed body.

She calmed down, troubled. While Kureno still held her by the waist, she tried to cover herself with her arms as tears blurred her vision. But the young men… they didn't seem surprised by the bindings on her body.

Meeting Tohru's gaze, her gentle brown eyes filled with compassion and understanding, Akito understood.

"You told them?" she said softly, looking at the elders of the Twelve. "You dared to tell them?"

Kureno gently released her, and she collapsed among the scattered debris on the floor. He stepped back, out of breath, and returned to his place at the table, exhausted. Everyone seemed relieved by the restored calm, though the atmosphere remained heavy. And Akito seemed so sad now.

"Akito," Yuki said, "whether you're 'God' or 'Goddess,' it changes nothing for us."

"A vile and disgusting creature. That's what women are," she murmured.

"Don't let the hatred you have for your mother speak for you, Akito," Hatori told her. "You're a very beautiful young woman."

Akito felt nausea rise to her lips. They knew she was a woman, but did they know about Kureno? Had her lover betrayed her to the point of revealing that the curse had left him? If so, everything was lost.

Her head was spinning as a terrible feeling took over her body. Despair… They were going to leave her.

Her eyes fell on a shining object near her thigh as she stared at the floor… a knife. Her fingers began to slide imperceptibly toward the blade, wrapping around the handle. She had never considered it before, but it seemed so simple to end her loneliness.

A little courage, and it would be over…

Just as she was about to slice her fragile, slender wrist, a strong hand gripped the arm holding the blade. She looked up. Shigure was staring at her, his face contorted and red with anger.

"What do you think you're doing?" he said, twisting her arm to make her drop the knife. She cried out in pain, and the blade fell from her fingers.

Everyone froze; no one had seen her grab the weapon. Kureno buried his face in his hands, tears now streaming down his cheeks.

Shigure was furious. He grabbed the young woman's shoulders, squeezing tightly enough to hurt her, and shook her forcefully.

"Don't ever think of that again, Akito! Do you hear me? You have no right to do that!"

"What does it matter to you?" she retorted, pushing him away angrily. "If I die, you'll still have Ren to sleep with!"

A sudden pain flared in her cheek as her head was whipped to the side.

Shigure had slapped her!

She looked at him, paralyzed as she saw a strange look in his eyes—a look she had seen the previous night when he had made love to her. He was looking at her with passion and sorrow.

She didn't move as he gently touched the cheek he had struck, caressing it tenderly. Then he stepped back, shaking his head as if trying to collect his thoughts, and, to Akito's surprise, he took her wrist and led her toward the door. But Kureno stepped in front of them.

"Wait, Shigure, we haven't finished…"

"I think you've done enough for tonight. It was an excellent idea, by the way; everything's turned out just perfectly," Shigure said, an ironic smirk on his lips. But his voice quickly grew dark. "We're done. Let me pass!"

Kureno reluctantly stepped aside, watching through tired, reddened eyes as Shigure left, still holding the arm of a young woman who looked exhausted and sorrowful.

"What's going on with Akito, Akito's mother, and Shigure?" Kyo whispered to Yuki as they picked up the broken dishes.

"Well, if I understand correctly…"

"No, no, don't explain! Just tell me—is it as messed up as I think?"

"Yeah, I think it is…"

Kyo grimaced in disgust and muttered, "They're all more twisted than I thought."

"Let go of me, Shigure," Akito murmured, trying to push away the man who kept kissing her.

They were in the hallway leading to Akito's room.

After leaving the banquet room, Shigure had led Akito to her quarters in the main house, but before they reached her room, he had blocked her against a wall, cupping her face in his hands and trapping her in a perfect embrace. His fingers were tangled in her hair, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. He looked at her with an intensity Akito had thought lost—a gaze so passionate that she had to look away before feeling Shigure's lips on hers.

She let him kiss her, placing her hands on Shigure's wrists as he held her face, deepening the kiss as he slid his tongue between her lips, caressing hers.

But the pain in her heart kept her from enjoying her lover's warmth.

She was unhappy, feeling betrayed, and she wanted to be alone to think.

"Let me go, I said!"

This time, her hands on his chest pushed him away with force.

Shigure let out a loud, frustrated sigh. He wanted to hold her close, forever. He had been so afraid for her.

"I need to be alone," Akito said. But when she saw the wary look Shigure gave her, she added quickly, "No, I'm not going to do it again. I just need to think… Good night."

She pushed him again to escape to her room. She had just reached her door when she heard Shigure speak.

"You can be happy without them."

"What?" she asked, turning to him. "What are you talking about?"

Shigure approached her. "You could be happy… with me."

Akito was about to respond, but he pressed a gentle finger to her lips, silencing her.

"Think about it," he said, sliding his hand over her cheek. "Just you and me, together. Because I think only of you." He took her hand and placed it over his heart, where it was beating. Akito felt tears fill her eyes, streaming down her porcelain face. She trembled under Shigure's touch, moved by his tender words and familiar gestures.

He stepped back, his eyes shining. "I'll give you time to give me your answer."

He started to walk away, turning his back. But before disappearing down the dark corridor, he added, "If you say yes, I promise to love you forever."

Akito stood at her bedroom door for a moment, her legs paralyzed. Gathering herself a little, she wiped the tears from her cheeks and entered her dark room.

Too shaken by Shigure's words, she didn't bother turning on the light and walked over to her futon, sitting down. She remained still.

The evening had been exhausting. The pain, the betrayal, Shigure's words… all the emotions weighed heavily on her heart, making it hard to breathe. She buried her head in her hands, lost.

A shadow passed. She suddenly sat up, shivering. She thought she had seen someone in her room.

She scanned the darkness, trying to make out a shape in the dim room.

"Is someone there?" she asked in a hesitant voice. No answer came. She shook her head softly, a bitter smile on her lips. This evening had worn her out, and her sorrow was probably making her see things that weren't there.

"It's loneliness that will kill me," she thought as tears began streaming down her cheeks again. "I am alone… But maybe Shigure and I…?"

Suddenly, a hand covered her mouth, and a damp cloth was pressed to her face. Terror filled her, and she struggled, but an alcohol-laced smell filled her lungs.

She tried to push her attacker away again, but she was already slipping into unconsciousness. Strong hands held her, lifted her, and carried her into the night.

"Good evening, Goddess."

Akito had slowly opened her eyes, but her vision was blurred. Through a light haze that was gradually clearing, she saw a man with ashen hair in the rearview mirror, driving. What was she doing in a car? She tried to speak, but no sound came out, and she couldn't even open her mouth. But she realized it didn't matter. Her numbed nerves dulled her fear, and she let herself be lulled by the gentle rocking of the car.

"Is she waking up? Is she conscious?" she heard the driver ask, catching sight of his green eyes in the reflection of the rearview mirror.

Who is he talking to?she wondered as she felt a hand gently stroke her hair.

"No, barely," a soft voice spoke close to her ear, nearby.

Who is this?

"She won't fully awaken for another hour or two."

"No, I'm awake,"Akito thought.

She tried to speak, but again, it was impossible; her lips wouldn't move. Had they drugged her?

She felt someone lift her head and realized she was sitting on a man's lap, who held her against him, his arms wrapped around her waist. So that's what this reassuring warmth was. But then she looked up at the young man whose face was nearly touching hers.

A stranger! A handsome stranger with black hair. And incredibly blue eyes. She had never seen such a dark blue. But she didn't like blue; she only liked the soft pink of camellias…

"Sleep, my beauty. You belong to us now," he whispered, as she felt his fingers caress her face, her cheeks, then her lips.

She wanted to ask him who he was, but she felt herself slipping away. Her head began to spin, and her eyelids closed.

As she sank into darkness, she felt soft, unfamiliar lips press against hers.

End of Chapter 7

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